Lake Travis, Texas: Map, Depth, Size & Information
Comprehensive hydrographic guide to Lake Travis featuring verified USGS & USACE water statistics, interactive topographic mapping, shoreline facilities, boating ramps, and game fisheries.
Lake Travis Live Water Level Status & Wind Conditions
Interactive Map of Lake Travis
Where is Lake Travis?
Lake Travis is located in Travis, Burnet County in the state of Texas, at geographical coordinates 30.4358° North latitude and 97.9158° West longitude. The water body lies at a surface elevation of approximately 681 feet (208 meters) above mean sea level.
Nearby Cities & Distances
About Lake Travis
Lake Travis is the crown jewel of the Texas Highland Lakes chain on the Colorado River northwest of Austin. Formed in 1942 following the construction of Mansfield Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Lake Travis is famous for dramatic limestone cliffs, deep turquoise waters, Devil's Cove party basin, and world-class sailing, with official hydrologic gauges closely tracked throughout Texas.
Hydrographic Classification:
Lake Travis is categorized as a Texas Hill Country River Impoundment. Its designated primary authorized uses include Flood Management, Austin Metropolitan Water Supply, Hydroelectric Power, Sailing & Yachting Recreation.
Activities & Recreation
Lake Travis is known for its resident game fish species. Common targets include:
Popular watercraft activities permitted across regulated channels:
Boat Ramps, Marinas & Public Parks
Marinas (5)
- •Lakeway Marina
- •Emerald Point Marina
- •Hurst Harbor Marina
- •Paradise Cove Marina
- •Crosswater Yacht Club
Public Boat Launches (4)
- •Mansfield Dam Park Public Ramp
- •Pace Bend Park Launches
- •Arkansas Bend Ramp
- •Jones Brothers Park Ramp
Parks & Recreation (4)
- •Mansfield Dam Park
- •Pace Bend Park
- •Windy Point Scuba Park
- •Hippie Hollow Park
Boating Safety, Wake Zones & Aquatic Regulations
A mandatory 100-to-200-foot no-wake zone is enforced around all public boat launches, designated swimming areas, private docks, and moored vessels. Vessel operators must maintain idle speed in narrow coves and bridge passes.
Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III PFDs are required for all vessel occupants. To prevent aquatic invasive species (quagga mussels, hydrilla), boaters must adhere to Clean, Drain, and Dry inspection procedures prior to launching.
Seasonal Fishing Patterns for Lake Travis
Game fish move into sheltered secondary coves, shallow flats (4–12 ft depth), and creek mouths as surface temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s. Target submerged timber, riprap, and emerging vegetation with spinnerbaits, suspending jerkbaits, and soft plastics.
Predators retreat to deep underwater humps, main river channel ledges, and thermocline layers (20–45 ft). Peak activity shifts to dawn, dusk, and night trolling. Use deep-diving crankbaits, spoons, drop-shots, and downrigger spreads.
Cooling weather triggers lake turnover and intense schooling feeding. Bass, trout, and walleye push baitfish into primary points and pocket coves. Fast-moving topwater plugs, lipless crankbaits, and swimbaits produce explosive strikes.
Fish consolidate around deep wintering holes (40–80+ ft) or under safe solid ice on northern waterways. Slow finesse presentations—vertical jigging spoons, blade baits, and live bait rigs—dominate the cold-water season.
Lake Travis Statistics & Hydrography
| Measurement | Imperial Value | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Area | 18,929 acres | 76.6 km² |
| Maximum Depth | 210 feet | 64.0 meters |
| Average Depth | 62 feet | 18.9 meters |
| Water Surface Elevation | 681 feet above sea level | 208 meters |
| Shoreline Length | 271 miles | 436 km |
| Lake Classification | Reservoir (Texas Hill Country River Impoundment) | |
| GPS Coordinates | 30.4358° N, 97.9158° W | |
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Travis
7 verified answersWhat is the full pool elevation of Lake Travis in Texas?+
What is the state fish of Texas found in Lake Travis?+
How deep is Lake Travis in Texas?+
What is the surface area, shoreline length, and elevation of Lake Travis?+
Can you boat on Lake Travis and where are the public ramps?+
Who manages Lake Travis and are there campgrounds or parks nearby?+
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